Thailand Launches Biodiversity Forum to Drive Bioeconomy Growth
Thailand launched the Biodiversity & Bioeconomy Forum 2026 to drive sustainable economic growth through nature conservation and multi-sector collaboration, introducing incentive mechanisms like Biodiversity Credits to encourage businesses t
Dr. Ravewan Pooridej, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, announced that Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin has designated him to chair the opening of the Biodiversity & Bioeconomy Forum 2026, an academic conference on biodiversity and sustainable utilization. Organized by the Bioeconomy Development Office (BEDO), the event operates under the theme "Nature Positive Created by All" to advance the ministry's conservation, restoration, and sustainable biodiversity policies while mobilizing all sectors to strengthen Thailand's bioeconomy.
The permanent secretary emphasized that the ministry prioritizes concrete biodiversity policy implementation through multi-sector collaboration between government, private sector, academia, and the public. The goal is to balance natural resource conservation with valuable, sustainable use while increasing economic value from biological resources while maintaining ecosystem abundance.
Dr. Ravewan noted that the Nature Positive concept—restoring and regenerating nature—is a global priority the ministry systematically pursues through natural resource conservation, biodiversity restoration, climate change response, and multi-sector cooperation mechanisms. Achieving this requires participation from everyone, not single agencies.
The ministry is also developing economic mechanisms supporting conservation, including Biodiversity Credits to incentivize businesses to integrate environmental considerations into investment and operations, driving economic growth alongside environmental restoration.
Dr. Tanit Changthawar, BEDO Director, stated the forum marks a significant milestone as BEDO approaches its 20th anniversary, aiming to elevate biodiversity implementation aligned with global direction through three strategies: conservation, sustainable use, and mainstreaming biodiversity across all sectors. Special emphasis includes promoting the private sector through the ACT-D Pathway to Nature Positive project to elevate nature-friendly business practices meeting international standards.
The Biodiversity & Bioeconomy Forum 2026 serves as a crucial platform for exchanging knowledge, innovation, and experience from all sectors while building cooperation networks, transforming concepts into practical action to propel Thailand toward a biodiversity-based growth society with a stable, sustainable long-term bioeconomy.
